Lancasters Caddie Collapses

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PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. -- A PGA Tour caddie collapsed midway through the first round of the Honda Classic on Thursday, was treated for dehydration and then taken to a hospital.

David Beighle, caddie for Neal Lancaster, was walking from the 18th green to the No. 1 tee when he dropped to the ground.

Lancaster said the 6-foot, 260-pound Beighle had been taking a diet supplement. He said he didn't know which supplement Beighle was using.

The diet supplement ephedra was partly to blame for the heatstroke death of Baltimore Orioles pitcher Steve Bechler last month. Toxicology tests released Thursday confirmed that 'significant amounts' of an over-the-counter supplement containing the herb led to the heatstroke, along with other factors.

'We didn't know if he was having a heart attack or what, but he said he wasn't hurting in his chest,' Lancaster said. 'His eyes rolled back in his head and he just kind of went out. He came back, and finally somebody came with first aid. We really didn't know. It puts a lot of things into perspective.'

Temperatures reached nearly 90 degrees Thursday, but Beighle collapsed shortly after 9 AM. He was treated with intravenous fluids at the course, then taken to Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center for further evaluation and treatment.

A hospital spokesperson said Beighle was in good condition Thursday afternoon.

Lancaster, using a close friend as his caddie, continued his round and shot a 3-under 69.